Contracting

  1. How do I contract for housing?

    2. As soon as you are notified that you have been admitted to UNI, we urge you to contract on-line for housing at www.uni.edu/dor. If you prefer to send us a printed contract, you can request one by calling our toll free number: 1-866-207-9411 or by sending an email to residence@uni.edu. The contract will be enclosed in a publication called Home Away From Home. Both the Web site and Home Away From Home include pictures and information about the nine residence halls and dining services, all designed to help you complete your contract. Remember to contract early. The sooner you submit a contract, the more likely you will be to get the preferences you indicate.

  2. What is my residence hall and dining contract?

    3. The residence hall and dining contract describes the commitment you made to the university and that we make to you regarding your on-campus housing and dining arrangements for the full academic year. The 2-Year Advantage Plan with the rate freeze covers two academic years. Besides choices of residence hall and meal plan, you may also indicate preferences related to various Community Living Options.

  3. How much does it cost to live in the residence halls?

    4. Residence hall rates include the rates for a meal plan. Every student who lives in the dorms/residence halls has to take a meal plan. For that reason the payment for housing and meal plan should be done together. Students who live in University Apartments do not have to take a meal plan. A meal plan provides a student’s breakfast, lunch and dinner; depending on the number of meals students contract per week. In the case of CIEP students, they cannot pay for their meal plan in the CIEP office; payments should be made directly to UNI. The meal plan gives students freedom from grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning up and provides good daily nutrition. Social interaction in the dining centers is also a reason to have a meal plan. Special events help celebrate the seasons of the year and bring something new to students' routines.

    Residence Halls Options and Costs
    Residence Halls Options
    Cost for 8 weeks
    (2007-2008 rates)
    Double room/ 19 meal plan $1,572
    Single room/ 19 meal plan $1,872
    Double room/ 14 meal plan $1,557
    Single room/ 14 meal plan $1,857

    Description: The residence halls have computer laboratories, laundry rooms, kitchens, TV rooms, study rooms, and recreation rooms. Each room includes a telephone and internet connection. The telephone is free to make calls to Cedar Falls and some other nearby cities in Iowa.

    19 Meal Plan: This meal plan includes any 19 meals per week plus $50 dining dollars for the semester.

    14 Meal Plan: This meal plan includes any 14 meals per week plus $100 dining dollars for the semester.

    Dining Dollars are part of many meal plans, but they can also be purchased by students or staff. Dining dollars may be charged to the university bill. Your university-card is needed to access dining dollars. Other features of dining dollars include:

    • Accepted at 23rd Street Market, Biscotti's, Apple Cart, Commodities, Crunch Break, Maucker Union, Rialto and Piazza.
    • Used only for food and beverage purchases.
    • Can be used at Rialto and Piazza to pay for a guest's or your own meal.
    • Additional Dining Dollars may be purchased online or at any of the dining operations.
    • Dining Dollar balances are available at any time by asking a cashier in a dining operation.

    Dining dollars are not intended to replace a meal plan or to provide a refund for any meal students may miss on a meal plan. Dining dollars are non-transferable, saleable, or refundable. If you cancel your meal plan, you will be charged for dining dollars you have used. Dining dollar balances left at the end of the fall semester will carry over to spring semester. Dining dollar balances left at the end of the spring semester will not carry over or be refunded.
    Cost per Month of University Apartments-2007-2008
    University Apartments
    Cost per month
    (2007-2008 rates)
    Hillside Courts One Bedroom (450 sq. ft.) $356.50
    Hillside Courts Two Bedroom (700 sq. ft.) $459.00
    Hillside Courts Two Bedroom (Two Story) (850 sq. ft.) $518.50
    Jennings Drive Two Bedroom (720 sq. ft.) $508.00
    College Courts Two Bedroom (650 sq. ft.) $405.25

    Description: You will find a community of married students with or without children, single parents, domestic partners, graduate and non-traditional (23+) students from across the United States and around the world at University Apartments. We are committed to providing an atmosphere which is friendly and conducive to study.

    University Apartments has 363 unfurnished apartments in three locations near campus. We believe you will find a living situation which meets your needs.

    All apartments include central air, on-site maintenance service, frequent patrols by UNI Police, ResNet internet connectivity, basic extended cable service, local phone service, on campus bus route, a parking space for each apartment, a central laundry facility, and play areas for children. All kitchens are equipped with wood cabinets, a gas or electric stove, and a refrigerator. Bathrooms have a tub/shower unit, sink, toilet, and a medicine cabinet. Floors are vinyl tiled. Mini-blinds are furnished in all units.

    However....

    • There is always a waiting list and it is recommended you apply three to six months in advance.
    • No animals, with the exception of fish and service animals, are allowed in housing facilities.
    • Laboratory specimens are not allowed.
    • The university assumes no responsibility for harm or loss to an aquarium for any reason.
    • No parking is available for boats, trailers, camper-tops, etc.
    • All parked vehicles must be currently registered with University Police and in driveable condition.
    • Please note that no washer or dryer units are allowed in the apartments.

    Eligibility Requirements:

    University Apartments units are available to students who are married with or without children, single parents with legal custody of their child(ren), domestic partners, single graduate students, and non-traditionals (23 years and older).

    A prepayment of $300 is required when an applicant accepts an offered apartment. If a student cancels their application after being assigned an apartment AND accepting the apartment, the $300.00 prepayment will be forfeited.

    In order to apply for University Apartment housing you must be admitted to the University of Northern Iowa.


  4. What is the application fee?

    5. The residence application fee is $25. This is a one-time fee that covers the entire time you live in the residence halls.

  5. When will I get my room and roommate assignment?

    6. Room assignments are mailed in June and also include tips for moving in, your roommate’s name, and their address.

  6. How are housing assignments made?

    7. Room assignments are made according to the date you submit your housing contract, prepayment and application fee; the earlier the better! Assignments are made based on the options you request on the housing preference section of your contract application. We can only use the information you provide us, so be sure to indicate your preferences such as smoking, community living options, etc.

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